State Stories

2015-16 IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award – Jim O'Boye

October 20, 2015

Jim O’Boye spent 16 years producing IHSA State Series and State Final action, including America’s Original March Madness the IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals, on television via his Elmhurst-based production company, KOST Broadcast Sales.

In a recent Chicago Tribune story, O’Boye recalled his time producing IHSA events on TV as being as pivotal as seeing the Beatles live in their first Chicago concert at the International Amphitheatre.

In addition to making high school sports come alive on television for millions of viewers, he was also a pioneer, introducing the popular IHSA Playoff Pairing Show during his tenure.

As a result of his efforts, Jim was nominated for the IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award by St. Rita High School in Chicago, where he has also served as the home football PA announcer for over 30 years. Jim’s recognition ceremony occurred on Friday, October 16, 2015 when the Mustangs hosted Catholic League foe Loyola Academy on the school’s Chicago campus.